Leeds Sign O’Kane – Bournemouth Fan View

Leeds today completed the signing of Ireland international Eunan O’Kane on a two-year-deal after over 100 appearances for Bournemouth. The central midfielder comes with a very good reputation from the south coasters and I have been in touch with one of their fans to get an insight into the new player.

Bournemouth fan – James

1. How would you describe O’Kane as a footballer?

James – “I’d describe O’Kane to be an adventurous, forward-thinking midfielder who loves to run with the ball and drive at defences. Adept at playing a pass, he is capable of threading that final pass to the strikers, or even having a go himself when needs be. He’s intelligent on the ball and is a likeable player on and off the field.”

2. Monk and Howe have similar philosophies in style, is O’Kane a player you think will suit Monk and Leeds?

James – “If Monk is looking to adopt the same footballing philosophy at Leeds to what he did at Swansea, then O’Kane should suit him perfectly. Nurtured under Eddie Howe, his range of passing and confidence on the ball would be an asset to any championship team and I believe Monk knows what he’s doing regarding this transfer.”

3. Give us a bit of background on what he’s done at Bournemouth?

James – “He signed for us in 2012 I do believe, from Torquay when we were in league one. His influence on our rise up the football leagues gradually became thinner but he certainly had a big role in our promotion from league one, and is fondly remembered for a lovely goal against then Premier League side Wigan in the FA Cup in 2013. In the premier league he has only made a handful of substitute appearances due to numerous midfielders above him in our pecking order. (Another thing to mention – he certainly raised a few eyebrows when he gave away a penalty back in 2013 against Walsall for picking the ball up having thought the referee had previously blew his whistle haha!)”

4. Would you say he’s a gamble or a sure thing at this level?

James – “I believe all signings are slight gambles, and O’Kane only represents this. It may take him a while to get up to scratch with the heavy schedule in the championship having not had a lot of game time over the past 2 years but in terms of footballing ability I don’t think he’ll have many problems at all.”

5. Three words to describe him?

James – “Dynamic, Clever, Reliable.”

6. If you could compare him to any other player, who and why?

James – “I believe he may be fairly similar, if not a bit deeper, than someone like Jonny Williams from Palace (on loan at Ipswich)”

7. How much money would you expect O’Kane to be worth today?

James – “In today’s market who knows with the extortionate prices being paid, (Kodjia – £15 mil), but I believe he is probably worth around £2.5 million, that’s a fair amount anyway.”

8. Best attributes?

James – “Best attributes have to be dribbling and passing, and his intelligence on the pitch.”

9. Best position?

James – “Best position – now I would say CM but because he likes to get forward I would suggest him playing alongside a more defensive midfielder, or if he was in a 3 man midfield so he can play further forward maybe at CAM, but he’s fairly versatile.”

10. One thing he needs to improve?

James – “He probably needs to improve defensively, tackling and getting behind the ball, and possibly to have bigger influences on games, although that might just be that with us, he never really stood out amongst the likes of Arter, Surman ect all but I think he’s a good signing for Leeds and I reckon he’ll do fine.”

I’d like to thank James for taking the time to answer the questions and help give us an insight into the new signing. He also added that he was very impressed with Lewis Cook so far when I asked about him. Top stuff.

About Author

Born in Gibraltar, raised in Scotland from a very young age. Been a huge fan of Leeds United since I could walk and talk, thanks to my Dad, the English half of me. After a few years in Australia I moved to Leeds, the trips from Scotland down to the city a few times a season didn't cut it. Love the city. Love the people, and the 12 hour round trip to Elland Road is about a 20 minute round trip. Love writing about the club, the more I write the more I feel comfortable doing it. As long as it's enjoyable I'll continue to do so, keep looking to step it up and progress as well. Leeds United is more than just a football team for me, as is it with so many others.

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